Noida Government School Teachers Launch Three-Day Protest Against Mandatory TET
In a significant display of dissent, more than 2,000 government school teachers in Noida initiated a three-day protest on Monday, vehemently opposing the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). The educators are participating in the demonstration by wearing black armbands while continuing to perform their regular duties, which include classroom teaching, examination invigilation, and booth level officer (BLO) responsibilities.
Phased Protest Strategy Announced by Teachers' Federation
During a joint meeting of various teachers' unions under the Teachers Federation of India in the district, a detailed phased protest plan was unveiled. The agitation commenced with a social media hashtag campaign on February 22, followed by the current black-band demonstration scheduled from February 23 to 25. The protest is set to escalate on February 26, when teachers plan to organize a large-scale rally outside the district magistrate's office. At this gathering, they intend to submit a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister through the district administration.
Supreme Court Directive Sparks Widespread Discontent
The root of the protest lies in a Supreme Court directive issued last year, which mandated that all teachers, including those already appointed or promoted, must clear the TET within a two-year timeframe. Teachers argue that this decision unfairly targets experienced staff who met all eligibility requirements at the time of their recruitment, particularly those appointed before 2011. They contend that imposing the TET retrospectively is unjustified and disregards their years of dedicated service.
Teachers Decry "Anti-Teacher" Policy and Potential Consequences
Praveen Sharma, the district president of the teachers association, strongly criticized the order, labeling it as "anti-teacher." He emphasized that recruitment procedures before 2011 involved rigorous eligibility checks and entrance examinations. Sharma warned that enforcing the TET rule could create significant uncertainty for thousands of educators and their families, potentially threatening their livelihoods. He described the mandate as a "black law" that could prove fatal for many households, urging the government to adopt policies that protect teachers rather than push them into insecurity.
Echoing these sentiments, another teacher, Gajan Bhati, pointed out that educators had already fulfilled all necessary eligibility criteria during their initial recruitment. He argued that forcing them to now clear the TET contradicts established rules and undermines their professional standing.
Ongoing Agitation Follows Previous Demonstrations
The current protest is not an isolated incident but follows similar demonstrations held in the district in September of last year. Officials confirmed that the memorandum submitted during those earlier protests was received by the district administration, though no substantial resolution has been achieved. The teachers' persistent agitation highlights the deepening frustration and resolve among the educator community to challenge what they perceive as an inequitable policy shift.
